I just did a quick search on Tumblr for "meditation." Holy confusion, Batman, do people have some funny ideas about what it takes. This is my attempt to set the record straight, at least for my little circle.
You don't need quiet.
You don't need a special space or any special equipment.
You don't need to change who you are.
You don't need to be more or less religious than you are right now.
You don't need to believe it will help.
All you need is you, and your breath, and a moment or two or twenty.
Close your eyes or leave them open.
Sit comfortably or stand quietly or lie down.
Breathe. Feel your breath come in and out.
If there are sounds, hear them.
If there are sensations, feel them.
Try to notice without reacting.
Breathe some more.
Enjoy meditating for its own sake.
When you are done, take a deep breath and return to your regular activities.
Try to do it again tomorrow. (That's what makes it a meditation practice.)
That's all there is to it.
Our unschooling classrooms
2 hours ago
10 comments:
Sweet. For me, my meditation (almost wrote "medication") breakthrough came when I realized I could add "or walk" to the sit/stand/lie down instructions. There have been times when I was so filled with anxiety I could only find stillness in movement, if you know what I mean. It's the "do it again tomorrow" part that continues to trip me up.
Oh. My. Gosh! Thank you so, so, so, so much!!! I have been yearning to meditate for so long. I keep finding meditation tapes and reading about it and trying to figure out how to do it "right". I had no idea that I could meditate standing, with my eyes open for just a couple minutes and have it "count". This is amazing! A revelation for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!!!
You said it so perfectly! You've inspired me to go write my own meditation post.
I am trying my best to quiet my mind and have and some success but not a lot and not consistent. I just keep trying
Patty - Meditate on how noisy your brain is. Just sit/stand/lie/walk for a few minutes, noticing all the noise. And then return to the sounds and sensations and rhythm of your breath coming in and going out.
Love this. I need to meditate daily like I need oxygen. "just do it" :)
I had a brief moment in the car alone today and was thinking about this post as I pulled into Sonic and decided it was as good a time as any to meditate. A moment or two or twenty. Great advice.
Thank you! I've been wondering about meditation for some time now. This post clears things up quite nicely.
Thich Nhat Hanh's "Peace is Every Step" was a great way for me to see that I can meditate in many moments throughout any given day. Now, I practice many times a day--when I'm chopping veggies, washing dishes, walking, showering, folding clothes. It takes the pressure off finding a time away, and really works well for me :)
Here is a nice article on getting started with a meditation practice.
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